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Fugitive businessman Nirav Modi has filed another application before UK authorities seeking a stay on his extradition to India, according to government sources. The UK has informed Indian officials that 'secret proceedings' are currently underway, potentially linked to claims that Modi would face torture if returned to India.
In March, the UK High Court rejected Modi's plea to reopen his extradition hearing, dismissing arguments that he would be subjected to mistreatment in Indian custody. The court upheld Indian government assurances that Modi would be held in a special ward at Arthur Road Jail with daily access to legal and medical teams, noting India's non-signatory status to UNCAT but affirming that torture is not permitted under Indian law.
Immediately after the UK court's decision, Modi petitioned the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), which has granted him anonymity and ordered that proceedings remain confidential. The ECHR has not ruled yet but has directed that no action on extradition proceed until the petition is disposed of.
Indian CBI officials met with the UK’s Crown Prosecution Service and other authorities last month to review the case. Modi, who fled India in January 2018, is wanted in connection with a $2 billion bank fraud case involving Punjab National Bank.
The UK government is expected to await the ECHR's decision before taking further steps. The European court's ruling will determine whether extradition can proceed, with Indian authorities maintaining that all due process and human rights safeguards will be upheld.